Diving atFirst BAY North (Jordan)
First Bay North provides an ideal introduction to Red Sea diving in Jordan, accommodating all skill levels. Its sheltered, calm environment makes it a primary choice for PADI Open Water courses and check dives. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the underwater world for the first time or an experienced diver seeking a relaxed and vibrant reef, this accessible site offers rewarding experiences.
Tonight's objective overview for First BAY North shows an air temperature of 22.7°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.14m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
29.4500, 34.9696
Dive Site Characteristics
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Part of a larger 700-meter fringing reef system, First Bay North extends south, merging with First Bay South. Its recognition among divers stems from straightforward shore access and consistently protected conditions within the bay, establishing it as a primary location for training and relaxed exploration.
Sheltered conditions minimize strong currents and wave action, creating an ideal environment for beginners and those refining skills. From the entry point, divers typically navigate a defined channel, leading into the expansive open blue water. Here, reef structure to the left noticeably intensifies in density and diversity.
Descending, divers enter very shallow depths, typically between 2 m / 7 ft and 5 m / 16 ft, ideal for initial skill practice. From this gentle start, the site gradually slopes away, unveiling rich, varied topography.
Expansive, vibrant coral gardens in the shallows host smaller reef fish, transitioning into a wide, undulating sandy plain. Around 9 meters / 30 ft, this plain becomes interspersed with numerous coral clusters and bommies, creating intricate habitats. Throughout, a vivid, dynamic ecosystem supports diverse species against healthy reef formations.
Best Time to Dive
Year-round, divers can expect excellent conditions at First Bay North, establishing it as a reliable destination regardless of the season. Visibility consistently remains good, typically ranging from 15 m to 30 m, which greatly enhances the clarity for reef observation and underwater photography. Air temperatures contribute to a comfortable diving climate, averaging 17.8°C / 64°F in January and reaching highs of 34.7°C / 94°F in July. This range means warm surface conditions are common, though winter months might call for slightly more thermal protection. The minimal rainfall reported across all months further contributes to stable underwater conditions and uninterrupted dive schedules. The site consistently experiences calm, protected waters, with only light surge occasionally reported, primarily near the entry points. These gentle and predictable conditions are highly advantageous for underwater photography, enabling stable shots, and make the site particularly well-suited for diver training, skill development, and extended, relaxed exploration dives at any time of year.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Beginning a dive at First Bay North typically involves very shallow entry, around 2-5 m, from shore or boat. A small coral garden at 8 m greets divers, followed by a broad sandy plain at 9 m, dotted with coral clusters. From 15 m, a steeper reef slope begins, home to the most diverse and robust coral formations. A distinctive, long narrow pinnacle, notable for its red soft coral covering, protrudes from the reef at 15 meters, serving as a navigational marker. Following the reef wall north reveals expansive corals and black coral trees, reaching depths of up to 30 meters (100 feet). While light surge can occur, conditions usually remain protected.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
First Bay North generally presents a safe and calm diving environment; no inherent hazards beyond typical diving considerations are consistently reported. Divers should remain mindful of fire corals near entry points. Its rich visual distractions can easily engross divers in a particular reef section. Simplifying orientation, remember that following the reef upwards towards safety-stop depth reliably leads back to shore. For deeper exploration, navigate south from the mooring to find a cabbage coral at 18 meters. From there, divers can follow the reef wall north past black coral trees, eventually returning via a sandy gulley at 12 meters to the mooring area.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
With water temperatures around 22°C (72°F), many divers find a 3-5mm wetsuit provides comfortable protection.
Divers performing multiple dives may appreciate slightly warmer protection later in the day.
Surface conditions are expected to warm up slightly in the coming days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Marine Life at First BAY North
Entering the water, divers are immediately met with schooling reef fish and vibrant fire corals that characterize the shallower areas. As you explore, octopi, squid, lionfish, and various grouper species are frequently observed. The reef hosts beautiful hard and soft corals, forming a backdrop for schools of sergeant majors, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. Blue-spotted stingrays and moray eels are common inhabitants. Macro enthusiasts will appreciate sightings of nudibranchs, shrimp, and pipefish, while occasional turtles and reef squid add to the site's rich biodiversity.
Moray Eel
Pipefish
Sergeant Major
Squid
Butterflyfish
Fire Coral
Blue-Spotted Stingrays
Grouper
Parrotfish
Nudibranch
Lionfish
Dive Sites Near First BAY North
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth at First Bay North?
A maximum depth of 30 meters (100 feet) is reachable at First Bay North. The reef begins in very shallow water, providing a wide range of depths suitable for various dive plans.
Is First Bay North suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, First Bay North is highly suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Its calm, protected environment and easy shore access make it an ideal location for PADI Open Water courses and introductory dives.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
Divers frequently encounter schooling reef fish, octopi, squid, lionfish, and groupers. You'll also see blue-spotted stingrays, moray eels, and diverse hard and soft corals. Macro life, including nudibranchs, shrimp, and pipefish, is present, with occasional sightings of turtles and reef squid.
What are the typical visibility conditions?
Visibility at First Bay North is consistently very good, typically ranging from 15 m to 30 m. Such excellent clarity enhances the experience for photography and general reef exploration.
Is shore access available, or is it boat only?
Both shore and boat access are available at First Bay North. This flexibility contributes to the site's popularity, making it convenient for various dive operations and individual divers.
Can I snorkel at First Bay North?
Yes, snorkeling is highly recommended. Shallow fringing reefs, vibrant coral gardens, and clear waters provide an excellent experience for snorkelers to explore the marine environment close to the surface.
Are there any specific navigational features at the site?
A distinct, long, narrow pinnacle at 15 meters depth serves as a useful natural navigation aid, especially for divers approaching the site from the shore. Following the general contour of the reef also provides straightforward orientation.
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